Scripture References: Matthew 21:18-19; Mark 9:42; John 2:12-17; John 12:1-8; John 13:1-30; Matthew 26:47-56

Intro: Welcome. Speaker Amber Kinalikin continues our "I Heart Jesus" series. Today tackles a difficult emotion: Anger. Sharing vulnerably from her own journey, Amber explores Jesus' example – times He was righteously angry, and confronting times He wasn't, especially during His betrayal – inviting us to bring our own anger to Him.

Key Points:

1. Jesus' Righteous Anger: Jesus showed anger, but it was always righteous, directed against:
   • Hypocrisy/Unfruitfulness: Cursing the leafy but fruitless fig tree (Matt 21).
   • Harm to "Little Ones": Fierce warning against causing believers to stumble (Mark 9).
   • Injustice/Obstruction of Worship: Clearing the temple courtyard used by Gentiles, which had become a marketplace (John 2). His anger served God's purposes.
2. Jesus' Lack of Personal Anger (Betrayal): Confrontingly, Jesus shows incredible restraint where we'd expect personal anger:
   • With Judas: He identifies Judas's thievery (John 12), washes his feet knowing the betrayal (John 13), gives him bread at the Last Supper, calls him "Friend" during the arrest (Matt 26). No personal lashing out.
   • With Arresting Party: He heals the servant's ear cut off by Peter, submitting willingly to the Father's plan (Luke 22/Matt 26).
3. Our Struggle with Anger: We often get angry when wronged or betrayed. This anger, even if initially justified, can take root and become toxic bitterness if held onto. It stems from perceived injustice and often includes anger at God for not intervening as we wished.
4. The Turning Point: God's Response: The speaker shares her turning point: realizing her anger stemmed partly from feeling God hadn't acted against injustice done to her family. God's gentle response: "I did [act]. I died for it." The offense, the sin, the injustice—it was already dealt with at the cross.
5. Freedom at the Cross: Understanding that Jesus bore the penalty for the sins committed against us frees us from the burden of carrying anger and bitterness. He paid the price; justice has been served His way. We don't need to hold onto it.

Conclusion: Jesus models both righteous anger against injustice/hypocrisy and profound love/restraint towards personal offenders. Our human anger often falls short. Holding onto personal anger is toxic, but realizing Christ already dealt with the offense on the cross brings freedom and release.

Call to Action: Are you holding onto anger – at people, circumstances, or God? Acknowledge it honestly before Him. Bring the hurt and the anger to the foot of the cross. Ask Jesus to help you see that He has dealt with the sin that wounded you. Receive His forgiveness for your own anger/unbelief and ask for His grace to release the offense.

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